Multiple bays. Myriad configurations.

Integrator carries payloads totaling up to 37.5 pounds across multiple payload bays. When we talk about integrating payloads onto Integrator, we talk about payloads per day, not days per payload. Insitu engineers once integrated three different payloads onto the Integrator unmanned aircraft system (UAS) — all in a single day. From off-the-shelf communications relay payloads to proprietary or custom payloads, the bays are multiple, the configurations vast and the ease of swapping them out unparalleled.

Payload bay weight specifications

• Payload bay limit: 37 lb (combined) / 17.0 kg
• Payload bay: 35 lb / 15.9 kg
• Nose bay: 15 lb / 6.8 kg
• Hardpoint (each): 15 lb / 6.8 kg
• Outboard wing (each): 3 lb / 1.4 kg

Nose payload bay

Integrator carries a multifunction sensor turret in the nose bay as part of the baseline configuration. However, the aircraft can be reconfigured with alternate nose geometries to allow for various payloads as the mission requires. 

One example is a blind nose configuration, ideally suited for carrying ancillary equipment associated with specialty payloads carried elsewhere on the aircraft, such as communications relay and electronic warfare payloads. Ancillary equipment that may be carried in a blind nose includes antennas and other equipment that may have particular radio frequency interference requirements.

Contrary to the name, blind noses are not “blind.” Operators still receive situational awareness through a pilot’s camera. Insitu’s “blind” nose does not provide ISR imagery, but the operator still sees the pilot’s view for situational awareness.

Insitu customers can choose how to configure their aircraft, and what payloads to put on their aircraft. A single Integrator can be configured with an imager, a blind nose and an imager again over the course of extended surge operations. This gives mission commanders the ability to choose the right payload for the mission at hand, with little notice. Whether it’s a disaster response or an insurgent attack, being quick — and smart — saves lives.

Center-of-gravity payload bay

At the heart of Integrator's capability is the center-of-gravity bay, which allows customers to carry a wide range of custom payloads, including communications relay and imaging payloads. This multi-mission sortie capability is virtually unheard of in a proven, tactical, reliable, cost-effective UAS.

The center-of-gravity bay is ideally suited for numerous off-the shelf communications relay payloads. Customers can carry imagers in the nose bay, and communications relay payloads in the center of the gravity bay, allowing for a simple switch in operation to change from an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission to a communications pipeline that can keep ground troops in touch with each other or with the aircraft operator.

Wing payload bays

Each wing on Integrator aircraft has an internal bay that is available for smaller payloads including the baseline payload data link. The Bandit Digital Data Link (DDL) is one of our more popular payloads. Housed in the wing bay, the system's advancements were inspired by feedback from the field.

The Bandit DDL provides secure, encrypted transmission of data to remote video terminals, including ROVER and One System Remote Video Terminal, as well as Insitu ground control stations and remote video terminals. A breakthrough in encryption technology, Bandit DDL is the first-in-class digital transmission solution to meet encryption requirements mandated by the Office of the Secretary of Defense for sensitive but unclassified information.

Additional internal wing payload capability remains on Integrator even when carrying the Bandit DDL payload data link, so customers have many options for antennas, communications and other ancillary payload equipment. Integrator’s internal wing stations add new payload capability to the standard capability that our customers have come to expect.

OEM payload integration

Integrator’s open architecture allows for plug-and-play integration of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) payloads. An Interface control document enables easy system integration, and our payloads directorate is available to assist with integration of your payload. The payloads directorate actively collects capability-driven payloads.

We have numerous OEM payloads in various stages of research and development. We’ve flown dozens of them. We’re ready to fly dozens more. And we’ve completed analysis on all of them to determine the level of effort required to take each to the next level of integration and testing. That means customers and OEMs alike that are looking to field the newest payloads can have a proven, reliable platform to test and field new technology.